Back-to-School Physical Exam Checklist: A Parent’s Guide

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  • UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
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Health and Wellness
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As the summer comes to an end and a new school year is approaching, so is your child’s routine physical exam. We know this can be a busy time of year, so we’ve created a back-to-school physical exam checklist so you have one less thing to worry about as you step into a new year.

Keep reading to learn more, including what back-to-school physical exams are, why they’re important, what you need before your appointment and what you and your child can expect.

What Is a Back-to-School Physical Exam?

A back-to-school physical exam is a comprehensive review of your child’s overall health. These exams help ensure your child is growing properly, both physically and mentally, and that they’re up to date on necessary vaccinations. These appointments also provide an opportunity for you and your child to discuss any health concerns as the new school year approaches.

Your child’s school may require a back-to-school physical for several reasons, like:

  • Health and safety requirements
  • Monitoring your child’s growth and development
  • School enrollment and participation forms

While there may be exceptions that allow your child to forgo a physical exam, contact their school directly to learn more. Back-to-school physicals are especially important for student-athletes, those attending summer camp and those participating in extracurricular activities. These exams allow the school to keep your child’s health records on hand should anything happen.

Why Back-to-School Physical Exams Matter

At UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, we believe that prevention is the best medicine. That’s why back-to-school physical exams are so important. These visits are more than just checkups; they’re a dedicated time to assess your child’s health and allow for early detection of health concerns, including abnormalities in their growth and development. They also serve as an annual touchpoint to ensure your child is healthy enough for participation in school or sports activities.

If your child’s doctor discovers a health concern, they’ll work closely with you and a multidisciplinary team of experts to keep your child safe and to help them heal in body, mind and spirit.

Your Physical Exam Checklist

Having a clear understanding of back-to-school physicals is your first step in helping your child have a healthy and successful school year. Let’s review some essential items you’ll need, questions to ask your child’s doctor and how to prepare them for their visit.

Forms and Documents to Bring

When it comes to preparing for your child’s exam, there are certain forms and documents that you must bring. Be sure to have the following:

  • Camp health forms, if applicable and required
  • Identification and insurance information
  • School physical forms
  • Sports physical forms, if needed

Medical Information to Gather

For a smooth appointment, it’s best to come prepared with your child’s medical information for the doctor to review. Medical information to bring includes:

  • Allergy information
  • Current medications and dosages
  • Family health history
  • Immunization records
  • Past medical history

Questions to Discuss With Your Child’s Provider

To ensure you cover everything you want during your child’s appointment, consider coming prepared with several questions to ask the provider. These could include topics like:

  • Chronic health conditions
  • Mental and emotional wellness
  • Nutrition, sleep and healthy habits
  • Sports participation concerns

How to Prepare Your Child for a Physical Exam

Even if this isn’t your child’s first back-to-school physical, they may feel nervous about the upcoming appointment. To help calm them, start by explaining what to expect during the visit. Their doctor will likely check their heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, weight and height. Letting your child know beforehand what to expect will ease their nerves and make the visit smoother.

What to Expect During Your Child’s Exam

Knowing what to expect during your child’s back-to-school physical can ease your mind as the parent, too. To start the exam, the doctor will review your child’s health history, including past illnesses and surgeries, current health concerns and a review of any medications they’re taking.

Once their health history is reviewed, the doctor will begin the physical health assessment. During this portion of the exam, you can expect:

  • General wellness evaluation
  • Heart and lung evaluation
  • Height and weight measurements
  • Musculoskeletal assessment
  • Vision and hearing screening, if needed
  • Vital signs check

If your child is part of a school sports team or plans to participate in after-school activities, they may be required to have a sports or camp physical examination. Talk to your children’s school to determine whether they need additional exams performed.

What should I bring to a back-to-school physical?

Bring your child’s medical and immunization records, required school or sports forms, as well as your driver’s license and insurance information if applicable.

How long does a back-to-school physical take?

On average, back-to-school physicals take 15 to 30 minutes.

Can my child get a sports physical and a school physical during the same visit?

Yes, your child can receive both a sports physical and a school physical during the same visit. Be sure to bring any required paperwork from your child’s school, and let the team member know when you’re scheduling that your child needs both exams.

What happens if my child needs vaccines or follow-up care?

Your child’s doctor can administer necessary vaccines during their appointment if needed. If follow-up care is required, our care team will be happy to help you schedule an appointment to ensure your child receives the care they deserve.

What is the difference between a school, sports and camp physical?

A school physical assesses your child’s overall health, development and immunization status for school enrollment.

A sports physical is a thorough exam that assesses your child’s readiness to participate in a sport. These exams typically include a medical history review and a comprehensive physical examination that assesses your child’s cardiovascular and musculoskeletal health, flexibility and bone health to detect risk factors and prevent injuries during play.

Camp physicals are similar to sports physicals in that they’re targeted exams to assess your child’s readiness to participate in outdoor and rigorous activities. These physicals often include a review of your child’s dietary restrictions, allergies and mental health status to ensure they’re suitable for an overnight stay.

When should you schedule a back-to-school physical, and does early scheduling matter?

We recommend scheduling your child’s back-to-school physical at the beginning of summer. Early scheduling helps you avoid last-minute appointments, which often fall at inconvenient times. It also ensures that you complete any required paperwork before the deadline and addresses your child’s health concerns before the school year begins.

How can I choose the right provider for my child’s physical?

When choosing the right provider for your child’s physical, make sure they specialize in pediatric care. It’s also a good idea to check their availability to see whether you can schedule an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you. Lastly, you want to ensure that the provider offers school, sports and camp physicals.

Does insurance cover back-to-school physicals?

Yes, back-to-school physicals are often covered by insurance. However, the cost can vary depending on several factors, like your health insurance status, your location (certain regions may be more expensive than others) and if additional testing is needed. On average, a school physical costs between $30 and $50 as a copay with insurance, and out-of-pocket costs range from $75 to $150.

At UChichago Medicine AdventHealth, we believe that scheduling your child’s back-to-school physical should be an easy, stress-free experience. Learn more about our approach to children’s care and how we can partner with you and your family to help you feel your best.

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